Your directors have pleasure in presenting the 77th Annual Report ("Report”) of DIC India Limited("Company/DIC India”), together with the audited financial statements of the Company for the financialyear ended December 31,2024 ("Year Under Review”).
(INR.in Lakhs except EPS figure)
Particulars
Year ended
December 31, 2024(Audited)
December 31, 2023(Audited)
Revenue from operations
88,152.89
82,885.14
Other income
958.01
818.75
Total income
89,110.90
83,703.89
Total Expenses
86,595.84
84,149.60
Profit/(Loss) before exceptional item and tax
2,515.06
(445.17)
Exceptional Item:
74.52
(2,378.89)
Profit/(Loss) before tax after exceptional item
2,589.58
(2,824.60)
Tax Expense - Current tax charge/(credit)
228.69
(43.42)
- Deferred tax charge/(credit)
406.99
(513.56)
Total Tax Expenses/(credit)
635.68
(556.98)
Profit/(Loss) for the Year
1,953.90
(2,267.62)
Other comprehensive income (net of taxes)
(61.19)
(141.11)
Total comprehensive income for the period/year
1,892.71
(2,408.73)
Paid-up Equity Share Capital
917.90
Earnings per equity share (of INR 10 each)(a) Basic
21.29
(24.70)
(b) Diluted
Your Company recorded a turnover of INR 88,1 52.89 lakh during the Year Under Review against INR82,885.14 lakh in the previous year. The Company registered a profit before tax and exceptional income(including other comprehensive income/loss) of INR 2,433.29 for the Year Under Review against a lossbefore tax (including the comprehensive income) of INR 634.29 lakh in the previous year.
Your Company remains committed to its stakeholders and make all endeavours to accelerate the valueof the shareholders.
The Management Discussion and Analysis as required in terms of the Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("SEBI Listing Regulations")is annexed to the report as Annexure 1.
It inter-alia gives detail of the overall industry structure, economic developments, performance and stateof affairs of your Company's business, risk management systems and material developments during theYear Under Review.
The Board of Directors ("Board") have recommended a final dividend of Rs. 4 per share for the financialyear ended on December 31, 2024.
Based on the overall financial performance and other economic factors, the dividend shall be payable outof profits only to those members whose names appear in the register of members as on the book closure/ record date. The dividend payout is subject to approval of the members at the ensuing annual generalmeeting of the Company for Year Under Review.
Pursuant to the Finance Act, 2020, dividend income is taxable in the hands of the shareholders effectiveApril 1,2020 and the Company is required to deduct tax at source from dividend paid to the members atprescribed rates as per the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The Register of Members and Share Transfer Books of the Company will remain closed from March 18,2025 to March 25, 2025 (both days inclusive).
The Company proposes to retain its entire earnings in the profit and loss account and proposes not totransfer any amount to the general reserve.
For details with regard to transfer to other reserves, note No. 19 of the financial statements for the YearUnder Review is self-explanatory.
Material Changes and Commitments, if any, Affecting the Financial Position of the Company whichhave Occurred between the end of the Financial Year of the Company to which the FinancialStatements Relate and the Date of the Report
Apart from disclosures made in this Report and the audited financial statements for the Year UnderReview no material changes and commitments have occurred after the closure of the year till the date ofthis Report, which affect the financial position of the Company.
There has been no fundamental change in the nature of business of the Company during the Year UnderReview.
As on December 31, 2024, the authorized share capital of the Company is INR 1500 Lakh and issued,subscribed & paid-up equity share capital of the Company is INR 917.89 Lakh.
The Company's equity shares are listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited ("NSE"), BSELimited ("BSE") and Calcutta Stock Exchange ("CSE"). The equity shares are actively traded on NSE, andBSE. The shares of the Company are not suspended from trading from any of the platforms.
Your directors believe that corporate governance is an ethically driven business process that is committedto values aimed at enhancing the growth of your Company. The endeavor is to continue and moveforward as a responsible and sustainable Company in order to attract as well as retain talents, investorsand to maintain fulfilling relationships with the communities and take all possible steps in the direction tore-write a new future for your Company.
We are committed to achieve the highest standards of ethics, transparency, corporate governance andcontinue to comply with the code of conduct framed for the Board and senior management under SEBIListing Regulations and have maintained high standards of corporate governance based on the principleof effective implementation of internal control measures, adherence to the law and regulations andaccountability at all levels of the organization.
Your Company's corporate governance practices are driven by effective and strong Board oversight,timely disclosures, transparent accounting policies and high levels of integrity in decision making. Thecorporate governance report of the Company for the Year Under Review as required under the applicableSEBI Listing Regulations is attached hereto and forms part of this report. The requisite certificate fromStatutory Auditors, M/s Pricewaterhouse Chartered Accountants LLP confirming compliance with theconditions of corporate governance is attached to the corporate governance report.
In terms of the provisions of section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies(Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the draft annual return of your Company for Year UnderReview has been uploaded at the Company's website https://www.dic.co.in/sites/default/files/2025-02/Annual%20Return-2024.pdf.
Please refer to the appropriate section of corporate governance report for the details relating to the creditrating assigned to the Company.
Acknowledging its responsibility towards the society, your Company has put in place a Corporate SocialResponsibility ("CSR”) Policy, which may be referred to at the Company's website https://www.dic.co.in/sites/default/files/2022-02/CSR%20Policy.pdfi The CSR Committee guides and monitors the activityundertaken by the Company in this sphere.
During the Year Under Review, the Company did not have any obligation to contribute on CorporateSocial Responsibilities ("CSR”) activities, under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 as your Companydid not fulfill the criteria as prescribed under Section 135(1) of the Companies Act, 2013.
However, due to its commitment to the society, your Company has voluntarily worked on the followingCSR initiatives under the thematic areas chosen:
a. The Company chose to continue with the initiative taken in the year 2023 basis the study of MaharajaSayaji Rao university (MSU) of Vadodara to do 'Needs assessment' of social requirements of communityin Saykha village, particularly with respect to 'Health'. Based on findings of MSU, DIC India initiated aproject through a renowned NGO, 'Feedback Foundation', which aims to make Saykha village a 'ZeroWaste' location. This project is being done as part of 'Saksham' initiative of the Company which aimsto promote 'Health' SDG. With the involvement of the community and help of authorities, Feedbackfoundation was able to finalize the land location & profile for Sanitation Park. The work may continuein the next year as well basis the recommendation of CSR Committee.
b. With the aim of providing education to all, the Company initiated the program DEEKSHA through arenowned NGO, Learning Links which aims to provide quality and holistic education to students withsensitization on wellness from underserves community schools in Bharuch, Gujarat. The Company willcontinue with this initiative in the next year as well.
The Company, during the Year Under Review has voluntarily contributed INR 18.80 Lakhs towardsCorporate Social Responsibility. The Annual Report on CSR activities, in terms of section 135 of the Act,and the rules framed thereunder, is annexed to this report as Annexure 2.
During the Year Under Review, the Company has initiated a postal ballot for seeking shareholders'approval for re-appointment of Mr. Manish Bhatia as the Managing Director and CEO of the Company.
The notice of the postal ballot was dispatched on December 02, 2024 and voting was closed on January02, 2025.
The result of the postal ballot was announced on January 03, 2025.
The documents related to the postal ballot can be accessed from the website of the Company https://www.dic.co.in/investors/corporate-news.
As on December 31, 2024, the composition of the Board of Directors ("Board") is as follows:
S.No.
Name of the Director
Designation
1.
Mr. Rajeev Anand
Chairman of the Board (Independent Director)
2.
Mr. Prabal Sarkar
Independent Director
3.
Ms. Pritha Dutt
4.
Mr. Adnan Wajhat Ahmad
5.
Mr. Paul Koek
Non Executive Non Independent Director
6.
Mr. Ryohei Kohashi
7.
Mr. Ji Xiang Jason Lee
8.
Mr. Manish Bhatia
Managing Director & CEO
The Board is duly constituted with proper balance of executive & non- executive directors, independentdirectors and woman director.
Mr. Masahiro Kikuchi resigned from the position of directorship with effect from January 11,2024.
During the Year Under Review, Mr. Ji Xiang Jason Lee was appointed as an additional director on February22, 2024. The designation was changed from additional director to Non Executive Non IndependentDirectors based on the approval of shareholders' received in the annual general meeting held on March22, 2024.
During the Year Under Review, the Board has proposed to re-appoint Mr. Manish Bhatia as the ManagingDirector and CEO of the Company for another term of 03 year effective from January 30, 2025. Based onthe Board's proposal, a postal ballot was also initiated during the Year Under Review, to seek shareholders'approval for the same. Shareholders' voting result in favour of the resolution was disclosed by theCompany on January 03, 2025.
Mr. Ryohei Kohashi has resigned from the Board with effect from January 01, 2025.
The requisite certificate(s) from the practicing company secretary confirming that none of the directors ofthe Company have been debarred or disqualified from being appointed or continuing as directors of theCompany by Securities and Exchange Board of India/Ministry of Corporate Affairs or any such authorityis attached to the corporate governance report.
During the Year Under Review Mr. Raghav Shukla, Company Secretary and Corp GM-Legal has resignedfrom the Company with effect from August 23, 2024. Ms. Meghna Saini was appointed as the CompanySecretary with effect from September 16, 2024. As on December 31,2024, below are the Key ManagerialPersons other than executive director & CEO of the Company:
Name of the Key Managerial Person
Mr. Gagandeep Singh
Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Meghna Saini
Company Secretary
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1 52(6) of the Companies Act, 2013, Mr. Ji Xiang Jason Lee, Non¬Executive Director of the Company, being longest in the office, retires by rotation at the ensuing annualgeneral meeting and being eligible offers himself for re-appointment. He has given a declaration in termsof Section 164(2) of the Companies Act, 2013 to the effect that he is not disqualified from being re¬appointed as a Director of the Company.
The Board has 4 (four) independent directors as on December 31, 2024, representing diversified fieldsand expertise. Details are provided in the appropriate section of the corporate governance report. Theindependent directors have submitted their declarations of independence stating that they meet thecriteria of independence as required in terms of the provisions of section 149 (7) of the Companies Act,2013 read with Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 16of the SEBI Listing Regulations, as amended from time to time.
The Company has also received confirmation from all the independent directors of their registration withthe Independent Directors Database maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, in terms ofSection 1 50 read with Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014.
In the opinion of the Board, the independent directors possess the requisite expertise and experience(including proficiency in terms of Section 150(1) of the Act and applicable rules thereunder) and arepersons of high integrity and repute. They fulfill the conditions specified in the Act as well as the Rulesmade thereunder and are independent of the management.
As a practice, all new directors (including independent directors) inducted to the Board are given a formalorientation.
The familiarisation programme for the independent directors is customised to suit their individualinterests and area of expertise. The directors are usually encouraged to interact with members of seniormanagement as part of the induction programme. The senior management make presentations givingan overview of the Company's strategy, operations, products, markets and group structure, Boardconstitution and guidelines, and the major risks and risk management strategy. This enables the directorsto get a deep understanding of the Company, its people, values and culture and facilitates their activeparticipation in overseeing the performance of the management.
The details of the familiarization program conducted during the Year Under Review can be accessed fromhttps://www.dic.co.in/sites/default/files/2024-12/Familiarization%20Programme%202024_0.pdf.
The Board met ten times during the Year Under Review. The intervening gap between two consecutivemeetings of the Board did not exceed one hundred and twenty days during the Year Under Review.The Committees of the Board ("Committee") usually meet the day before or on the day of the Boardmeeting, or whenever the need arises for transacting business.
The Board meetings were conducted in due compliance with and following the procedures prescribed inthe Companies Act, 2013, SEBI Listing Regulations and applicable secretarial standards.
In terms of the provisions of rule 8 of schedule IV to the Companies Act, 2013 one separate meeting ofthe independent directors excluding all other directors of the Company was also conducted on August13, 2024. Reference is invited to the annexed corporate governance report for details thereof
The details of Board and Committee meetings held during the Year Under Review and directors attendingthe same are given in the corporate governance report forming part of this Report.
As on December 31, 2024, there are four statutory Board level committees:
• Audit Committee
• Stakeholders' Relationship Committee
• Nomination and Remuneration Committee
• Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
Further, in view of timely assessment and mitigation of risk the Board has also constituted Risk ManagementCommittee to assist Board on risk management and mitigation framework.
The details with respect to the composition, terms of reference and other details of all the aforementionedcommittees of the company have been elaborated in the corporate governance report annexed to thisReport.
The Company has devised a Nomination and Remuneration Policy ("NRC Policy") which inter alia setsout the guiding principles for identifying and ascertaining the integrity, qualification, expertise andexperience of the person for the appointment as directors, key managerial personnel ("KMPs") andsenior management personnel ("SMPs").
The NRC Policy has been framed with the objective-
(i) to ensure that appointment of directors, KMPs and SMPs and their removals are in compliances withthe applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI Listing Regulations;
(ii) to set out criteria for the evaluation of performance and remuneration of directors, KMPs and SMPs;
(iii) to adopt best practices to attract and retain talent by the Company; and
(iv) to ensure diversity of the Board of the Company
The NRC Policy specifies the manner of effective evaluation of performance of Board, its committeesand individual directors to be carried out either by the Board, by the Nomination and RemunerationCommittee or by an independent external agency and review its implementation and compliance. Duringthe Year Under Review, there has been no change in the NRC Policy.
The NRC Policy of the Company can be accessed at the website of the Company at https://www.dic.co.in/sites/default/files/2025-02/Nominattion%20and%20ReiTiuneration%20Policy.pdfi
During the Year Under Review, the formal annual evaluation of the performance of the Board, itscommittees and individual directors was carried out, in the Company by the independent directors, andthe Board, in compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI Listing Regulations, as amended fromtime to time.
The performance of non-independent directors, Board as a whole and the chairman was done by theindependent directors of the Company. Performance evaluation of independent directors was done bythe entire Board, excluding the independent director being evaluated.
An indicative criterion of evaluation was circulated to the directors to facilitate such evaluation. Based onthe feedback of the directors and on due deliberations of the views and counter views, the evaluationwas carried out in terms of the NRC Policy and such indicative criterion. The Board sought the feedbackof directors on various parameters including:
• Degree of fulfillment of key responsibilities towards stakeholders (by way of monitoring corporategovernance practices, participation in the long-term strategic planning, etc.);
• Structure, composition, and role clarity of the Board and Committees;
• Extent of co-ordination and cohesiveness between the Board and its Committees;
• Effectiveness of the deliberations and process management;
• Board/Committee culture and dynamics; and
• Quality of relationship between Board Members and the Management.
The above criteria are broadly based on the Guidance Note on Board Evaluation issued by the Securitiesand Exchange Board of India.
The evaluation process endorsed the Board confidence in the ethical standards of the Company, theresilience of the Board and the management in navigating the Company during challenging times,cohesiveness amongst the Board, constructive relationship between the Board and the management,and the openness of the management in sharing strategic information to enable Board to discharge theirresponsibilities and fiduciary duties.
In compliance with the provisions of section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 and regulation 22 of theSEBI Listing Regulations, the Company has in place the Whistle Blower Policy and Vigil Mechanism forDirectors, employees and other stakeholders which provides a platform to them for raising their voiceabout any breach of code of conduct, financial irregularities, illegal or unethical practices, unethicalbehavior, actual or suspected fraud, health, safety and environmental issues. Adequate safeguards areprovided against victimization of stakeholders who use such mechanism and direct access to the Chairmanof the Audit Committee in appropriate cases is provided.
The aforesaid policy may be accessed at the website of the Company at https://www.dic.co.in/sites/default/files/2021-04/Whistle_Blower_Policy_0.pdfi
The Company has robust internal financial controls systems which is in line with requirement of CompaniesAct, 2013 which is intended to increase transparency and accountability in organizations process ofdesigning and implementing a system of internal control.
The Company uses SAP ERP systems as a business enabler and to maintain its books of accounts. Thetransactional controls built into the SAP ERP systems ensure appropriate segregation of duties, appropriatelevel of approval mechanism and maintenance of supporting records. Detailed procedural manuals are inplace to ensure that all the assets are protected against loss and all transactions are authorized, recordedand reported correctly. The internal control systems of the Company are monitored and evaluatedby internal auditors and their audit reports are reviewed by the Audit Committee of the Board. Theobservations and comments of the Audit Committee are placed before the Board.
Based on the results of such assessments carried out by the management, no reportable material weaknessor significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal financial control was observed.
The Board has adopted a risk management policy where various risks faced by the Company have beenidentified and a framework for risk mitigation has been laid down. Even though not mandated, theCompany has constituted a Risk Management Committee to monitor, review and control risks. The risksand its mitigating factors are discussed in the Board.
The Company has in place proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of the applicablesecretarial standards issued by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India and such systems areadequate and operating effectively.
The particulars of loans given, investment made and guarantees provided by the Company, under Section186 of the Companies Act, 2013, as at December 31,2024, are placed here below:
Intercorporate loans
NIL
Intercorporate guarantee
Intercorporate investments
The relevant sections of the financial statements may also be referred for the details on intercorporateloans, guarantee or investment.
The Company does not have any subsidiary/associate/joint venture company for the year ended December31,2024.
During the year under review, your Company did not accept any public deposits under Chapter V of theCompanies Act, 2013 and as such, no amount on account of principal or interest on public deposits wasoutstanding as of December 31, 2024.
As required under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Accounts)Rules, 2014, the information relating to Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and ForeignExchange earnings & outgo is annexed and forms a part of this Report as Annexure 3.
DIC India believes that the competence and commitment of our employees are the key differentiatingfactors which enable our organization to create value by offering quality products & services to ourcustomers. We strive to create a harmonious work environment & strengthen our work culture to drivehigh level of performance orientation. As a part of the culture, we are committed towards scaling upcompetence level of employees & offering them a long-term career to attract & retain talent. As onDecember 31, 2024, the Company had 347 employees (previous year 357) on its direct pay roll.
Information in accordance with the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read withRule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014,as amended, forms part of this Report as Annexure 4. As per the provisions of Section 136(1) of theCompanies Act, 2013, the Annual Report excluding the information on employee's particulars under Rule5(2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is beingsent to the members which is, however, available for inspection in electronic mode. Members can inspectthe same by writing to investors@dic.co.in. Any member interested in obtaining such information maywrite to the Company Secretary and the same will be furnished without any fee.
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment at workplace and has adopted a Policy onPrevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual harassment in line with the requirements of the Sexualharassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 ('POSH Act') andthe rules framed thereunder. Internal Committees (IC) have been set up to redress complaints receivedregarding sexual harassment.
During the year under review, no complaint of sexual harassment was received by the Company and thepolicy is available on https://www.dic.co.in/investors/policies.
All the contracts/arrangements/transactions etc. entered into by the Company with related parties werein ordinary course of business and on arm's length basis in terms of provisions of Companies Act, 2013.
Omnibus approval from the Audit Committee is obtained for all transactions with related parties and all
such transactions are reviewed by the Audit Committee every quarter. The Audit Committee takes intoconsideration for approving all related party transactions from the perspective of fulfilling the criteria ofmeeting arm's length pricing.
As per SEBI Listing Regulations, if any related party transactions exceeds Rs. 1000 crore or 10% of theannual turnover as per the latest audited financial statement, whichever is lower, would be consideredas material and requires member approval. In this regard, the Company has not exceeded the limit asspecified above and therefore no member's approval was required.
Related Party Transaction Policy has been adopted by the Board of Directors for determining the materialityof transactions with related parties and dealings with them. The said policy may be referred to, at theCompany's websitehttps://www.dic.co.in/sites/default/files/2021-01/related-party-policy.pdf.
The Company in terms of Regulation 23 of the SEBI Listing Regulations regularly submits within theprescribed time from the date of publication of its financial results for the half year, disclosure of relatedparty transactions in the format specified to the stock exchange.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134(5) of the Act, the Board of Directors to the best of theirknowledge and ability confirms that:
i. In the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards had been followedalong with proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
ii. The directors had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgmentsand estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairsof the company at the end of the financial year and of the profit and loss of the company for thatperiod;
iii. The directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accountingrecords in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 for safeguarding the assets ofthe company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. The directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis; and
v. The directors had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and that suchinternal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively.
vi. The directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicablelaws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
As per the provisions of the Act, the Company appointed M/s. Price Waterhouse Chartered Accountants LLPas the Statutory Auditors of the Company for a period of five years commencing from the conclusion of the75th Annual General Meeting held on March 22, 2023 till the conclusion of 80th Annual General Meeting.
The auditors' report on the financial statements for the financial year ended December 31, 2024 is anUn-modified report and does not contain any qualification, report of fraud, reservation, adverse remarkor disclaimer and do not call for any further comments.
The provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 mandates secretarial audit of the Companyby a Company Secretary in Practice. The Board appointed M/s. T. Chatterjee & Associates, PracticingCompany Secretary (Firm Registration No. P2007WB067100) as the Secretarial Auditor for the financialyear ending December 31, 2024. The secretarial auditors' report for the financial year ending December31, 2024 is annexed to this Report as Annexure 5. There are no qualification, reservation, adverseremark or disclaimer in the said report and do not call for any further comments. However, the settlementapplication suo moto filed by the Company has been noted by the Secretarial Auditor in their reportannexed herewith.
During the financial Year Under Review, neither any application is made by the Company nor anyproceeding is pending under the Insolvency And Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
During the financial year ended December 31, 2024, unpaid or unclaimed dividend for the financialyear ended December 31, 2016 amounting to INR 3,21,184 were transferred to the Investor Educationand Protection Fund established by the Central Government, in compliance with section 125 of theCompanies Act, 2013. Further, 13,739 shares were transferred to Investor Education and Protection Fundduring Financial Year ended December 31,2024.
There were no significant and material orders passed in relation to the Company, during the Year UnderReview.
During the financial Year Under Review, disclosure with respect to details of difference between amountof the valuation done at the time of one time settlement and the valuation done while taking loan fromthe banks or financial institutions along with the reason thereof is not applicable.
The continued co-operation and support of its loyal customers has enabled the Company to make everyeffort to understand their unique needs and deliver maximum customer satisfaction. Our employees atall levels, have been core to our existence and their hard work, co-operation and support is helping usas a Company face all challenges. Our vendors, who form a part of our global footprint reinforce ourpresence across the globe and relentlessly push forward in establishing the DIC brand. Our Company isalways grateful for their efforts. The flagbearers of fair play and regulations, which includes the regulatoryauthorities, the esteemed league of bankers, financial institutions, rating agencies, stock exchanges anddepositories, auditors, legal advisors, consultants and other stakeholders have all played a vital role ininstilling transparency and good governance. The Company deeply acknowledges their support andguidance.
Rajeev Anand Manish Bhatia
Director Managing Director &
February 21,2025 DIN: 02519876 Chief Executive Officer
Noida DIN: 08310936